Route 122 in Uxbridge remains closed as razing of burned building is delayed

Monday

Jul 22, 2013 at 7:30 PMJul 22, 2013 at 7:53 PM

By Donna Boynton , TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

UXBRIDGE — Route 122 remains closed as the demolition of the fire-ravaged Bank Building was delayed after an abutting property owner expressed concern about liability during the demolition.

Fire Chief William Kessler said the demolition company, J.R. Vingaro, was placing protective measures around the abutting properties on Saturday, preparing to tear down the building, when an abutter asked it to stop. At issue are concerns about the liability of having the demolition crew on his property and potential damage to his building.

The Bank Building, which was destroyed in a six-alarm fire Thursday afternoon, is flanked by the town-owned Senior Center and Keegan Construction.

"As far as I know, the town has expressed no concerns," Chief Kessler said.

Keegan Construction had no comment.

Chief Kessler said he was hopeful the matter could be settled soon.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the state fire marshal said the fire was probably electrical in nature, but its cause will likely never be known. The fire was so intense it destroyed evidence of its cause.

Because of the instability of the third floor of the building, the road will remain closed, Chief Kessler said the demolition company expects to be able to tear the entire building down in one eight-hour shift.